Spring Point Shoreway

A walk along the Spring Point Shoreway includes a beautiful, sandy Maine beach, historic Fort Preble, built in 1808, the iconic Spring Point Lighthouse, and outstanding views of Portland Harbor from a variety of perspectives.

Description

These popular walking paths lead from the popular Willard Beach around Southern Maine Community College and include a breakwater out to Spring Point Ledge Light. A short road connection leads to Bug Light Park and the Greenbelt Walkway. Walkers may want to integrate a stroll on the beach into their hike, while cyclists or those with strollers can use a paved section of trail that parallels the beach.

Features of the trail include Fort Preble which was built in 1808 and used during the War of 1812 and held Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The nearby Spring Point Head Light was built in 1867 while the accompanying granite breakwater was added in 1951, and currently provides a popular walk with commanding views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay. The granite stones of the breakwater provide more uneven walking and shouldn't be done in windy or stormy weather.

Trailhead Information

The most common access to the trails is from either Willow Street (via Willard Beach) or The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) campus. Reach SMCC's campus, by following Broadway to its northern end and turning right. Willow Street is off Preble Street in South Portland; a parking lot will be about 300 yards from Preble Street on the right.

The college students with classes so close to this scenic coastline are very lucky. There are remnants of old forts and bunkers, as well as the nice walkway over large stones out to the lighthouse. You can easily walk down to Willard Beach. Great way to both kill some time and appreciate history.